The ice cream licking challenge, also known as the ice cream challenge, was a viral trend on TikTok where users would film themselves licking ice cream containers in grocery stores, often putting the product back on the shelves. This behavior raised significant concerns regarding hygiene and food safety, leading to widespread backlash from the public and retailers. Some stores implemented stricter security measures and increased monitoring to prevent such incidents.[1]
History
On June 28, 2019,[2] at a Walmart in Lufkin, Texas, a young woman was filmed licking a half-gallon of Blue Bell Tin Roof ice cream before returning it to the freezer. The video quickly went viral, with more individuals recording themselves licking ice cream and returning it to grocery store freezers. These incidents led to widespread public outrage and concerns over food safety.[1] In response, law enforcement agencies and retailers took measures to prevent contamination, including increased surveillance and stricter enforcement of food tampering laws.
In Louisiana, a 36-year-old man was caught licking ice cream and putting his finger in it.
References
- ^ a b Criss, Doug (13 July 2019). "Here's why people lick tubs of ice cream or tongue depressors and put the video on social media". CNN. Retrieved 1 March 2025.
- ^ "Police find girl who licked Blue Bell ice cream in viral video". NBC News. Givetash, Linda, Fieldstadt, Elisha. 4 July 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2025.